Detention was no longer necessary, Pentagon says.
President Biden’s administration, through the Pentagon, took a step toward its goal of shutting down the Guantanamo Bay detention center for terror suspects. It released Abdul Latif Nasser to the custody of his home country, Morocco, this week. He had been held without charge almost since the U.S. opened the facility 19 years ago.
A review board had recommended repatriation for Nasser, who is in his mid 50s, in July 2016, but he had remained at Guantanamo until this week. In announcing his transfer, the Pentagon cited the board’s determination that his detention was no longer necessary to protect U.S. national security.
On his arrival in Morocco, police took him into custody and said they would investigate him on suspicion of committing terrorist acts.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president’s administration and Pentagon leadership as they consider the release of other detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- For wisdom for officials making the decision regarding the national security threat these detainees would pose if released.
- For the U.S. military personnel stationed at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
Sources: New York Times, Associated Press
